by Charles Hendricks | Jul 7, 2025 | architecture, Building Science, community, Green Building, Harrisonburg Architect
The final phase of renovation has started at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Child Day Care Center, and there is excitement in the air. For over 50 years, the HRCDCC has been a cornerstone of the Harrisonburg community, offering licensed childcare on a sliding fee scale and ensuring quality care that is accessible to all families. This move brings them back to the heart of downtown and adds a new level of excitement and vibrance to Harrisonburg.
Historically, HRCDCC has operated out of local churches, which has been a true gift to the community. However, these shared spaces inherently limited their ability to meet growing needs, and they dreamed of having their own space. Through an amazingly successful fundraising initiative called “Dancing with the Stars of the ‘Burg,” they were able to raise funds to complete a Phase 1 renovation at 44 Federal Street in downtown Harrisonburg. Harrisonburg Construction partnered with the organization to gut and rehab an existing building, maximizing its functionality for childcare.
Phase 2 has kicked off and will bring some highly visible changes to the outside of the structure, including a new private playground. As “Dancing with the Stars of the ‘Burg” dancer’s company, Nielsen Builders, takes on this challenge, we are excited to see the changes coming. The curbs have been poured, and the strong foundation is in place for a vibrant play area. The work will also include upgraded energy-efficient windows and a new EIFS exterior. Another significant change will be the introduction of a front door that opens to the south.
by Charles Hendricks | Jul 6, 2025 | architecture, community, Harrisonburg Architect
Harrisonburg, get ready to make a splash! The Spray Grounds at Ralph Sampson Park have officially opened. This refreshing new amenity space in the Friendly City features 6,000 square feet of aquatic play area with four shade structures and a bathhouse. We had the honor of working for Nielsen Builders on this project and partnering with Southern Playground and Monteverde Studio for the complete design. This is yet another incredible project made possible for our community by Harrisonburg Parks and Rec. If you have not noticed their work around the city, you are not paying attention. Our parks are looking exceptional these days.
The Harrisonburg spray grounds are located in Ralph Sampson Park, next to the Lucy F. Simms Center, at the corner of Washington Street and Simms Avenue. This project, funded by ARPA money, provides the quadrant of the city with the most school-age children a very cool destination. It is accessible, with vibrant colors, and is surrounded by basketball courts and a playground. The project features a large bucket that dumps out and creates a huge splash, seating areas, restrooms, and lots of green space. The center is open from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily and is free to the public.
Our role in the project was not the cool water features, but we did get to provide design for the shade pavilions and the restrooms/pump house. This project was done design-build, which means we worked directly for the builder and not for the city. This approach allows for minimal design to verify code compliance and permit drawings.
Harrisonburg, get ready to make a splash! The highly anticipated Ralph Sampson Park Spray Grounds officially opened on Tuesday, July 1st, bringing a refreshing new amenity to the Friendly City. This 6,000-square-foot aquatic play area is unlike anything else in the region, promising endless summer fun for all ages.
Located conveniently beside the Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center at the corner of Washington Street and Simms Avenue, the spray grounds were made possible by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This project is a testament to Harrisonburg’s commitment to providing vibrant, accessible recreational spaces for its community.
Lead Designer / Landscape Architect: LPDA / Kimley-Horn
General Contractor: Nielsen Builders
Equipment: Southern Playground
Project Owner: Harrisonburg Parks and Rec
Civil Engineer: Monteverde Studio
by Charles Hendricks | Jun 27, 2025 | architecture, community, Historic Renovation
My favorite city I have ever visited is Charleston, South Carolina. There are gardens, beautiful architecture, interesting stories (some of them true) about the history of the town, custom ironwork, open air markets, and incredible food. It is a place where you can get lost in the details, wander the streets for hours, and feel right at home the entire time. History comes alive and continues to unfold over time.
I have visited Charleston many times, but have never lived there. My view of the city is from the perspective of a tourist. It caters to those coming for a few days and provides a welcoming atmosphere to give you reason to come back. The city has a soul and you see it in the streets, homes, and people. You feel it in the air. The texture, movement, colors, open air market, and style that all meld into an idealistic place.
So what makes a city welcoming, inviting, unique? Does your city have a soul that you can feel walking through town?
As I walk through downtown Harrisonburg there are glimpses of the soul of the city. There are storefronts that add texture, murals that give context, and history hidden in the buildings.
What elements have you seen in cities that tie together and build pride of place? What would you like to see downtown that tells the history of place and builds a welcoming culture to those living here, as well as those just visiting for just a few days? How can we make Harrisonburg a truly friendly city? In your words, what makes a city welcoming, inviting, unique?
by Charles Hendricks | Apr 28, 2025 | artwork, community, First Friday, Harrisonburg Architect
We love celebrating the arts in the valley, from murals to sculptures to sketches to paintings, art brings us joy. It has the power to change your perspective, evoke inner reflection, and even generate conversation. Each month we host an artist at the Depot we invite you to join us to celebrate the art, artists, and to add to the conversation. This month’s artist is well known in our community and her work is full of energy and depth. I hope you will be able to join us for the May 2025 First Friday opening of “Intrinsic Flow.”
May 2, 2025, 5pm – 7pm
141 W. Bruce St. second floor (at the Depot)
Exhibition Title: Intrinsic Flow
Bio & Artist Statement: Delaney Westwood is a fluid acrylic artist born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley. Her work is rooted in experimentation, using the creative process as a way to explore the universe and the essence of flow. By mixing acrylic paints with a flow medium called Floetrol, she creates pourable blends that move across the canvas through dynamic techniques.
Each piece is completed in a single, cohesive session, sometimes lasting 14 hours or more, allowing the work to unfold organically and intuitively. Delaney seeks to capture the primordial energy of the universe with the aim of evoking peace, resonance, and a sense of inner knowing in the viewer.
“Intrinsic Flow” is a showcase of both abstract and representational works, each one a unique meditation on movement, energy, and form.
*Accessibility Note: This building was previously restored from a fire. The elevator shaft is currently not functioning and there is an absence of ramps in the space. Because the show is on the 2nd floor, this may pose an issue for those who have mobility needs. We are aware of this need and we apologize greatly if this changes your ability to attend.
This event is free and open to everyone. Snacks and refreshments will be served and we look forward to seeing you there!
Each month we host a new artist in our building’s 2nd floor gallery at the Chesapeake Western Depot at 141 W. Bruce St. (second floor entrance is on Chesapeake). Artwork will remain on exhibit through the month. Come view the show anytime and get a tour the Depot! We will have food and drink available!
by Audrey | Apr 18, 2025 | Charlottesville, community, Empathy, Not used, project update
Project Update: Haiti Agape Pavilion
By: Paul Tassell
Seven years ago, The Gaines Group donated their time and expertise to assist with a project in Haiti. That project is now nearing completion.
Charlottesville First United Methodist Church partnered with The Friends of Fort Liberte, a 501(c)3 founded to serve the people of the Ft. Liberte area in northeast Haiti. This charity has helped develop many projects including projects serving the Eben-Ezer Primary School which provides education to hundreds of Haitian students.
Dave Wheatley, a Trustee of CFUMC, approached The Gaines Group about one of those projects. The Eben-Ezer School was in need of a pavilion where their students were protected from the sun and rain during lunch. The Gaines Group provided renderings for fundraising purposes and structural design for the now Agape Pavilion. Volunteers plan to return, now that the pavilion is nearing completion, to build picnic tables.
The Agape Pavilion means so much to the community. Pastor Dasnis Pierre of Haiti expressed his appreciation, saying “we will be able to create a community life among the students at the school. The pavilion will also be available for church gatherings and festivals. The Agape Pavilion will be a place of love and sharing.”
If you would like to donate to this cause or the many projects for Friends of Fort Liberte, please visit their website: https://friendsoffortliberte.com/system/causes/view/252/the-agape-pavilion
by Audrey | Apr 15, 2025 | Charlottesville, community
In Support of the Next Generation
By: Raymond E. Gaines
It is well known that we, at The Gaines Group, support the arts. Our sponsorships over the years and our monthly First Friday events reflect this.
We recently sponsored Swing Into Spring, a benefit concert presented by the Albemarle High School (AHS) Jazz Ensemble for Ready Kids, a local nonprofit that provides counseling, family support, and early education opportunities to kids and families in the Charlottesville area. Our support of this event is twofold.
At the surface, we are supporting the Jazz Ensemble. The band is consistently among the top two or three high school “big bands” in the Commonwealth, scoring highly in every festival in which they participate. Participating in high school level music teaches discipline and accountability, both of which go with the students for a lifetime.
Secondly, through our support of the band, we are indirectly supporting Ready Kids. Through this organization, we are helping to prepare kids for growth and adulthood. This is perhaps a more important legacy for the future than the buildings that we work hard to create that will hopefully survive us for generations to come.
To those of you reading this, we encourage you to support these two organizations and similar organizations in your locality. The future of our society is brighter because of your support.
The AHS Jazz Ensemble is led by Andrew LaPrade, a Gaines Group client from a few years back who played in the group during his high school years.
